The FTA (Freight Transport Association) believes that the increase in fuel duty this month will leave the transport industry out of pocket to the tune of £95 million.
The association's chief economist, Simon Chapman, points out that diesel – currently responsible for 35% of a truck's running costs – is not an optional extra. "It is essential to keep shops stocked and businesses supplied with materials," he insists.
"Rises in fuel commodity prices have already left operators facing diesel prices nine pence per litre higher than a year ago – adding £3,800 a year to the bill of running an articulated truck. This latest fuel duty increase, together with those previously introduced [last year] will add a further £1,200 a year."
Chapman believes that the Chancellor is treating the transport sector as a "bottomless well from which cash to bolster the public finances can be drawn".
This month's increase of 0.76p per litre is the third rise since April 2010 and will push diesel prices to within four pence per litre of the all-time highs reached in July 2008.
